Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for that one-of-a-kind person in your life? We can think of no better place to find it than right here in Louisville, Kentucky. If you love where you live, we believe you should shop where you live too. Just visiting? Then take a piece of our city home with you! Shop small this holiday season and support our local makers and small business owners because Louisville is a community worth investing in.
Here are some one-of-a-kind gifts you can only find here in Derby City:
FOR THE PLANT LOVER
Succulents, leafy jungle plants, handmade pottery — find everything you need to impress your Ficus-loving friend at our two favorite plant stores: Mahonia and Forage. Personalize your gift and make a terrarium at Mahonia (or give them a gift card so they can make their own!). Visit the Old Louisville Forage location and shop eco-friendly household goods at Koko, which shares a space with the plant store. Both stores have super knowledgeable staff so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you will be in good hands!
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Shopping for your most fashionable friend? The New Blak is a woman-owned, ethical and sustainable clothing company that designs and produces a unique clothing line in their Louisville studio. Pair one of their signature little black dresses with handmade accessories they source from other woman-owned businesses, like Lindsay Lou Jewelry. Head to the Butchertown neighborhood and shop eclectic modern clothing from Work The Metal. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours here – this store has a gift for every occasion and everybody on your list. If you’re looking for a one stop shop, this is a serious contender!
For the friend who appreciates the finer things in life, shop Clayton & Crume. They make high quality leather goods, accessories, bags, wallets and more. Plus, you can customize your gift with a free monogram! Find unique, upcycled finds at Hey Tiger and Dot Fox. These shops are located right next to each other on Bardstown Road where you can find many other small boutique shops nearby. Pro-tip: Kick off the holiday shopping season with Bardstown Road Aglow – a Christmas block party – to really get into the holiday spirit.
FOR THE CRAFTER
Treat the DIY person in your life to a night out at The Craftery – a DIY studio and bar. Their craft menu features projects like wall mounted bottle openers, leather accessories, macrame, jewelry and seasonal crafts.
FOR THE CANDLE LOVER
Shopping for someone with a keen sense of smell and a slight addiction to candles? Well first, there’s no such thing as having too many candles… it just isn’t possible. So buy them another candle! And not just any candle, but one you’ve made specifically for them from Maddox & Rose Marketplace. Or treat them to a night out with wine and a pouring experience.
FOR THE COLLECTOR
For the friend who should have been born in another decade –the friend who lives for the rare finds– impress them with a timeless treasure from Fleur de Flea vintage market or Mellwood Antique Mall. Shop curated, wearable, decorative and functional handmade art pieces at KMAC Museum Shop. Give back to our community when you shop original prints from C19: Art Works for KY by Calliope Arts Printmaking Studio & Gallery, which benefits the Artist Relief Trust, providing assistance to artists in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Find local art in every form at Revelry Boutique Gallery, a curated boutique and gallery showcasing over 150 regional artists. Give them a memorable experience and photograph that will last a lifetime from River City Tintype. Discover quirky décor and high quality furniture at Red Tree Nulu. Local pro-tip: venture to the back of the store where you’ll find a quaint outdoor space with a colorful umbrella canopy. Surprise the wine enthusiast in your life with a wine club subscription from Nouvelle Wine Bar.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
Go retro with a purchase from Magnetic Tape Recorder and Stereo, a store specializing in well-restored vintage and modern turntables, tape decks, speakers, hard-to-find amplifiers and more. Looking for a record? Better Day Records and Guest Room Records are the places to go.
FOR THE COFFEE CONNOISSEUR
Give the gift of caffeine with a bean subscription from Quills or Sunergos coffee. Curb their sweet tooth cravings with THE best chocolate chip cookies (we aren’t kidding) from Please & Thank You.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
For the friend who always has a book in hand, the family member who sparked your passion for reading and the little ones who are just getting started — surprise the curious minds in your life with a book from Louisville’s oldest independent bookstore, Carmichael’s.
FOR EVERYONE ELSE
Looking for a one-stop-shop for everyone on your list? We got you. From the creative to the entertainer and the leisure expert, the 21c Shop can help stock the tree this year. Shopping for a penguin enthusiast? Take home a hand-crafted miniature ceramic (or ornament) Red Penguin from Louisville Stoneware. Friends with a Fallen Fruit fan? Stuff their stocking with gifts wrapped in the same wallpaper prints found in Proof on Main, like The Last “Gay” Bar in America Notebook or a Dogwood Scarf. Impress your scent-expert with a Malin + Goetz Candle. Or give the gift of liquid gold with a bottle of exclusive spirits, including limited selections of Kentucky Bourbon, from our 21c Selects program.
